Gabrielle Coupland has commenced Course 32 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, supported by a scholarship from Cotton Seed Distributors, Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.

Gabrielle, in partnership with her family, recently completed their third cotton harvest on their mixed farming operation in the southern Riverina. The farm also produces corn, sorghum, rice, wheat, canola, barley and fat lambs.

She is a Shareholder Director of Murray Irrigation Ltd and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course.

Her previous roles include Deputy Director of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, Chair of Southern Riverina Irrigators, Vice Chair of the NSW Nationals, Chair of the Local Land Services Murray Landholder and Aboriginal Advisory Group, and Chair of the WA Partners in Grain group.

Reflecting on her decision to join the program, Gabrielle said: “I’ve wanted to undertake the ARLP for twenty years, but children, business and life always seemed to get in the way. I decided it was now or never. I hope my life experience may help others, but mostly I look forward to learning from others—their energy, their strategies—and building connections with people from across regional Australia.”

Course 32 participants recently completed a 12-day experiential learning activity in Morton National Park. Apply now for Course 33 of the program.